Columbus has much to offer for ODA Annual Session attendees

One of 2013 Annual Session Chair Dr. Bruce Grbach’s favorite parts about visiting Columbus for the convention is all of the activities and night life attendees can experience when they aren’t taking CE or shopping the Exhibit Hall.

Several events will be taking place in Columbus during the 147th Ohio Dental Association Annual Session Sept. 19-22.

“Jersey Boys” will be performed at the Ohio Theatre Sept. 17-19. This Tony, Grammy and Olivier Award-winning Best Musical is the story of Rock and Roll Hall of Famers The Four Seasons: Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi. It shows how four blue-collar kids became one of the greatest successes in pop music history. Tickets are on sale now and start at $28. Visit www.capa.com for more information and to purchase tickets.

The Columbus Museum of Art will feature a special exhibit “George Bellows and the American Experience” with more than 35 paintings highlighting one of the most complete collections of Bellows’ lithographs. Admission is $12 for adults and free on Sundays. Visit www.columbusmuseum.org/ for more information about the museum.

The Santa Maria replica will host “Talk Like a Pirate Weekend” Sept. 21-22. Visitors will be able to ask pirate interpreters questions or just listen to them give accounts of pirates from the 18th century. At 2 p.m. pirates will storm the ship with gunfire and canons. Admission is $4.50 for adults and $3.50 for children. Visit www.santamaria.org for more information.

Jack Hanna’s Fall Fest at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium will feature special demonstrations from basket weaving to pumpkin carving, plus seasonal treats. This festival of the harvest season will be Sept. 21 and 22. Admission is $14.99 for adults and $9.99 for children. Visit www.columbuszoo.org for information.

The Columbus Crew will take on the Chicago Fire on Sept. 21 at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $23 to $48.Visit www.TheCrew.com for more information.

On top of all the special events going on, Columbus has several areas within walking distance of the Greater Columbus Convention Center where attendees can find restaurants, bars, nightlife and entertainment.

The Arena District, encompassing the area west of the Convention Center, includes casual entertainment, dining and drinking establishments, including Buca di Beppo, Gordon Biersch, Ted’s Montana Grill and Rodizio Grill. Learn more at www.arenadistrict.com.

The Short North Arts District is located just north of the Convention Center and features a unique array of restaurants, bars, art galleries and businesses, including Hyde Park Prime Steak House, DeepWood, Sushi Rock and Marcella’s Ristorante. Find out more at www.shortnorth.org.

German Village is a historic neighborhood south of downtown featuring architecture from the 1840s-1890s and traditional German breweries and restaurants, including Lindey’s Restaurant and Bar, Katzinger’s Deli and Schmidt’s Restaurant und Sausage Haus. Visit gvbusinesscommunity.com for more information.

For a complete list of attractions, activities and things to do in Columbus, visit www.experiencecolumbus.com.

To register for Annual Session and for more information about what’s happening around Columbus plus complete information about the ODA Annual Session, visit www.oda.org/events or check the event program.